Horne Urges Recognition of World Elder Abuse Day on Wednesday, June 15

PHOENIX (Monday, June 13, 2011) -- Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne will help kick off the recognition of the Sixth World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Wednesday, June 15 at an Open House at the North Phoenix Baptist Church.

“Elder abuse is particularly offensive. It affects some of the most vulnerable members of society,” Horne said. “More than 3 million seniors in the U.S. experience some type of abuse every year. Unfortunately only one of six cases of elder abuse crimes comes to the attention of authorities. That is one reason why I created the Taskforce Against Senior Abuse, which is a vital part of the Attorney General’s Office and is designed to help combat crimes committed against seniors. I am also honored to be a part of this week’s recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to bring more attention to this serious problem.”

Elder abuse can be: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, emotional abuse, and abandonment. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse is dedicated to promoting the better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising the awareness of this huge under reported problem.

The Open House is scheduled for 8:30 AM - 12 Noon at North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Attorney General Horne and Mary Lynn Kasunic, President/CEO of Arizona Area Agency on Aging, plus others will be speaking about fighting elder abuse.

The Attorney General’s Taskforce Against Senior Abuse dedicated phone number is (602) 542-2124 or citizens may also email TASA at SeniorAbuse@azag.gov.